After several weeks of testing, Apple has finally released a software update for systems running Mac OS X Lion, bumping up the version to 10.7.3. The update includes a number of essential fixes and security patches. We particularly note that the update promises to fix Wi-Fi connection issues when waking from sleep, which is something that our MacBook Air (complete review here) has been suffering from. The software also includes a new version of Safari, 5.1.3 and adds additional language support.

To check for the update on your Mac OS X Lion computer, click on the ‘Apple’ logo at the top-left, then ‘Software Update’. Be sure to have a recent back up of your system before you install the update (e.g. through Time Machine). It’s a quite weighty download, ours measures 730.6MB. We’ll try to update you once we have a chance to test it out on our devices and if this finally fixes Wi-Fi issues on the MacBook Air.

We’ve been expecting this day to come and you can now finally update your iOS devices — iPhone 3G, iPhone 4, all iPads, 3rd and 4th generation iPod Touch — to iOS 5. This is a major update to iOS with over 200 new features, including Notifications (at last), iMessage, Newsstand, Reminder and of course iCloud integration.

This is a review of the mid-2011 Sandy Bridge MacBook Air (MBA). I’ve been using the 11-inch model, but most of what I will say also applies to the 13-inch version — a comparison of the two is at the bottom of this review. The review will concentrate on the hardware, rather than the software, aspects of the laptop. After all, loading Windows on the MBA is straightforward and we ours loaded with both operating systems — of course you can also load your favorite Linux distro as well. We’re certainly not discounting that the new MBA comes pre-loaded with the new Mac OS X Lion, but, that is a totally independent review in its own. Enough, however, with the introduction and lets move on to our experience with the new MBA.

We like to front-load our reviews, so, lets just say that there is very little that I don’t like with the new MacBook Air. What I mean is that there are only pleasant surprises, such as the performance, with most nags from last years’ model already worked out. But the MBA is certainly not the only laptop to offer performance in a small package, especially now that Intel is pushing the concept of the ‘ultrabook’.

A wise man once said that god is in the details, and that’s where the MBA wins over other offerings, in the details. We don’t have any preference with regards to manufacturer or operating system. But as said, it’s the little things that count. Apple has, over time, accumulated a list of extra features and little nuances that make its notebook products stand out. The MagSafe connector with a truly portable power brick, the oversized clickable multi-touch glass trackpad, a strong unibody construction that leaves zero room for flex, an excellent backlit island keyboard. The MBA is a culmination of all of these. It’s also the culmination of true portability and finally power.

The MBA is a svelte performer, never boggling down even with a dozen of browser windows, Mail, Photoshop and Spotify running all at the same time.

That’s not to say there are no faults, but it would have been unfair to mention these first; we found the poor vertical viewing angles somewhat restrictive, particularly for the form factor, while, the lack of ports could be a deal-breaker for some. Battery life is also on the lower side, not to say it’s bad or anything, but could be disappointing to some road warriors wanting a whole day charge. But please, read on while we delve deeper on Apple’s latest ultra-mobile notebook.

We’ve had our own personal issues with Google Chrome on OS X Lion. In fact, at times, Chrome was behaving so badly on the new Mac OS that I had more or less switched to Firefox. Well, finally, Google has updated Chrome promising better stability and compatibility with Lion.

In addition, Google has added support for Lion’s full screen mode. When enabled, each Chrome window takes up the whole screen (i.e. the menu bar is hidden) and its own desktop Space. Note that you can have different Chrome windows maximised or not in different spaces.

To enable full-screen mode, either click on the two opposing arrows at the top right or press command + shift + F — Google’s blog incorrectly states Ctrl+Shift+F.continue reading

If you own a mid-2011 MacBook Air you might want to hit the update button. Apple has just released an EFI firmware update which solves a couple of issues mainly dealing with Thunderbolt compatibility. The other issue deals with Lion Recovery from an internet connection.

The fixes should:

Enhance the stability of Lion Recovery from an Internet connection.

Resolve issues with Apple Thunderbolt Display compatibility.

Resolve issues with Thunderbolt Target Disk Mode performance.

To update, connect your mid-2011 MBA to a power source, click on the Apple logo in the top left corner and then “Software Update…”, then follow the dialogue boxes.continue reading

Mac OS X Lion brought a number of enhancements in terms of usability and ease of access, the new Mission Control and Launchpad, a number of multitouch gestures and the ability to run applications in full screen mode. There are also a number of new keyboard shortcuts that hopefully will allow you to perform tasks and access information faster. Below we’ve compiled a list of these new shortcuts and how they work.continue reading

Apple has just issued an updated version of iTunes, 10.4.1 for Mac OS. The latest iTunes now works as a full-screen app in OS X Lion and you can swipe between it and your other desktops and apps. The update also brings a number of bug fixes including:continue reading

We can’t say this has come soon enough, Apple has just made available its first update to Mac OS X Lion, version 10.7.1. The update brings a number of bug fixes that should at least ease some of the frustration Lion users have been facing.

During today’s earnings call, Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer, has announced that the latest Mac OS X Lion will be available tomorrow exclusively from the Mac App Store.

Lion will be available to Mac users as a 4GB downloadable update for a $29.99 price tag. The latest Mac OS X version is bringing 250 new features including additional multi-touch gestures, full-screen apps and the new Mission Control and Launchpad — allowing better control of your desktop and applications.continue reading

We are used to Apple being very secretive about new products and services, keeping everything in the shadows until a big media event. So the first surprise to come in anticipation of this year’s Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, being held on June 6-10, is Apple formally putting out a press release announcing iCloud prior to the event’s keynote speech.continue reading